About Us
OUR STORY SO FAR
Dance Illusions has been the premier dance studio in Bedfordview for the past 35 years. Originally started in 1982, the company is now run by brother-sister duo Craig Riviere and Chantal Riviere de Klerk. The studio offers classes for ages 3 and up with no age limit on adult classes, including a range of styles to match varying skill levels. We offer full SADTA Medal Test Syllabus Training and also follow the IDTA (UK) Syllabus.
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To learn more about what we do, please check out the 'Dance Styles' page or contact us via the details provided on the website.
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OUR INSTRUCTORS
CRAIG RIVIERE
Principal
Fellow Latin American and Ballroom (IDTA-UK). Fellow Freestyle SADTA. Multiple South African Champion and International Pro Rising Star winner. International adjudicator and Professional examiner. Trainer of World solo finalist and World Freestyle pairs Champion as well as numerous SA title winners. SA representative to two World Championships in Munich, Germany and Miami, USA. Danced in many Professional shows including Emperors Palace, SA Bodybuilding, SA Sports Awards, Miss South Africa. Vodacom Annual Awards. Performed with artists including Amor Vittone, Vengaboys, Body Beat (SABC). Taught and lived Internationally in UK, Europe and USA for many years. Judged World Freestyle (UK) twice and other top International events. Organiser and Founder of Dance Spectrum All Styles Dance festival.
CHANTAL RIVIERE DE KLERK
Principal
Former Freestyle and Latin American South African champion.
Also trained in Tap, Modern and Ballet since the age of 4 years.
Performed Professionally both locally and abroad including performances with Amor Vittone, Casper De Vries, Vengaboys and The Spice Girls. Danced on Silver Sea Cruise Liner visiting Russia and Scandinavia. Extensive work in neighbouring countries. Assistant trainer to World Freestyle pairs and trainer of World qualifiers and Judged World Championships in UK.
SHARON VAN DER MERWE
Trainer
Associate Freestyle SADTA and IDTA. Winner of the John Dilworth scholarship (IDTA,UK) Former South African Freestyle and Latin American champion. Also trained in Tap, Modern and Ballet since the age of 3 years. Danced in shows and choreographed with Amor Vittone, Casper De Vries, Gladiators SA, T20 International Cricket, numerous Casino shows. Adjudicated in England and Scotland. Trainer of World qualifiers. Two times Winner of Professional Latin American Showdance section. Competed in International Professional Latin.
NADINE
LAHOUD
Trainer
Trained in Freestyle Ballet and Latin American. SADTA Freestyle Associate. Trained in Imperial Society and Cecchetti styles of Ballet. Also trained in Modern Jazz and Tap. Was also a former SA Finalist in Freestyle Solo, Slowdance, Rock ‘n Roll and Hustle. And SA Rising Star winner in Solo and Couples. Gauteng runner up in Solo and Slow. Started dancing at the age of 3 years. Has been working with our team for more than 20 years. Owner of Glam Studios Dance supplies.
TERRI-LEIGH TAVARES
Trainer
Trained in Freestyle, Latin American and Ballroom. SADTA Latin American and Freestyle Associate qualified. Trained in SADTA syllabus. She was a South African Ladies Champion in Freestyle Solo, Slowdance, Rock ‘n Roll and Hustle. Has been a South African Amateur Latin American and Ballroom Finalist as well as Professional Ten Dance Champion. She has been working with our team for the past 12 years and is also a qualified High School Teacher for grades 8-12.